The purpose of this regulation is to prescribe procedures relating to the Green Energy Fund pursuant to 29 Del.C. Ch. 80, Subchapter 2, the Delaware Energy Act. It is the goal in establishing this regulation to provide a streamlined procedure for distributing Green Energy Funds through the use of grants and loans.
This regulation provides rules of practice and procedure for application and disbursement of Green Energy Fund grants and loans for renewable energy projects and encouraging energy efficiency in Delaware.
These regulations are promulgated under authority of 29 Del.C. §8051(c).
For purposes of this regulation, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below.
“Conectiv Power Delivery DP&L” means the trade name used by Delmarva Power and Light Company.
“Department” means the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Energy Office, or such other agents as the department or Secretary may designate.
“DP&L Service Territory” means the service territory of Delmarva Power and Light Company, or its successor, as such territory is reflected in the electric service territory maps maintained by the Delaware Public Service Commission under the authority of 26 Del.C. §203B
“Energy Efficiency Improvement” means an increase in productivity or output for a given energy input when compared to conventional technologies or practices. Energy efficiency improvements may include equipment replacement, installation of controls, changes in operating practices, or other measures.
“Energy Efficiency Information Program” or “Information Program” means a program established mainly to educate or inform energy consumers about the environmental and economic benefits of energy efficiency improvements. Energy efficiency information programs may include the demonstration of new technologies or the novel application of existing technologies in order to establish their environmental and economic benefits.
“Energy Efficiency Technology” means a hardware device or system that provides an end-use energy service (e.g., lighting, heating, air conditioning, motion, etc.) using less energy per unit of output than minimum standards allow or available conventional equipment.
“Fiscal Year” means the budget and accounting year of the State beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30. Reference to a Fiscal Year by year number means the Fiscal Year ending on June 30 of the named year. For example, a reference to Fiscal Year 2004 means the period beginning on July 1, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2004.
“Freeze Tolerance Limit” means the temperature below which a Qualifying System for Solar Water Heating might suffer damage attributable to freezing.
“Fuel Cell” is an electrochemical energy conversion device which converts the chemical energy from a fuel directly into electricity and heat.
“Geothermal Heat Pump” means either an open or closed loop system or direct expansion system that uses the thermal energy of the ground or groundwater as the heat source and heat sink for residential or non-residential space heating and/or cooling. It may provide both space heating and cooling, cooling only or heating only functions. A closed loop system consists of a ground heat exchanger in which the heat transfer fluid is permanently contained in a closed system. An open loop system consists of a ground heat exchanger in which the heat transfer fluid is part of a larger environment. A direct expansion system consists of a geothermal heat pump system in which the refrigerant is circulated in pipes buried in the ground, rather than using a heat transfer fluid, such as water or antifreeze solution in a separate closed loop, and fluid to refrigerant heat exchanger.
“Green Energy Fund” means the fund established by 29 Del.C. §8057 and administered by the Department.
“Grid-connected”, “Grid-tied” or “Interconnected” means a condition in which a Qualifying System that is an electrical generating system serves and is electrically connected to an electrical load that is also connected to and served by the local utility electrical grid. The delivery or ability to deliver, any portion of the generating capacity into the utility electrical grid is not required, nor must the loads served be only alternating current (AC) loads. Systems need only to be capable of serving electrical loads that would otherwise be served by the local utility.
“Kilowatt” means the basic unit of electric power equal to 1,000 Watts.
“Kilowatt-hour” means the basic unit of electric energy equal to one Kilowatt of power supplied to or taken from an electric circuit steadily for one hour. One-Kilowatt hour equals 1,000 Watt-hours. Electric energy is commonly sold by the Kilowatt-hour.
“Nonresidential” means all classes of customer purchasing electric power for uses other than for individual households. These groups of customers generally purchase electric power for commercial and industrial purposes. When used as an adjective with respect to Qualified Systems or Green Energy Program Grants or Loans, such term refers to systems owned by, or leased to, or grants or loans awarded to Nonresidential persons.
“Participating Contractor” is an appropriately Delaware licensed contractor who has submitted to the Department an application designated by the Department with all required attachments and maintains in full force all required insurance and warranties as described in Section 5.2.
“Passive Solar Design” means a residential or non-residential building design that uses no external mechanical power, such as pumps or blowers, to collect and move solar heat.
“Photovoltaic” means an electronic semiconductor device, most commonly made of silicon that produces direct current (DC) electricity from sunlight.
“Placed in Service” means installed, operational, and producing output.
“Professional Engineer” means "engineer”, as defined in Title 24 Del.C. Ch. 28, Professional Engineers, namely, a person who by reason of his or her advanced knowledge of mathematics and the physical sciences, acquired by professional education and practical experience, is technically and legally qualified to practice Professional Engineering, and who is licensed by the Delaware Association of Professional Engineers.
“Purchaser” means the purchaser or lessee of a Qualifying System.
“Qualifying System” has the meaning as set forth in Section 5.0.
“Renewable Energy Technology” shall have the meaning as prescribed in 29 Del.C. Ch. 80.
“Renewable Fuel” means a non-nuclear fuel that can be derived from non-fossil energy sources that are naturally replenishing and virtually inexhaustible.
“Residential” means the class or classes of customers purchasing electric power for household uses. When used as an adjective with respect to Qualified Systems or Green Energy Program Grants, such term refers to systems owned by, or leased to, or grants awarded to Residential persons.
“Retailer” means the vendor or lessor of a Qualifying System.
“Secretary” means the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
“Solar PathfinderTM” is a non-electronic instrument that measures the annual solar potential for a given site.
“Solar Shade Analysis” means an on site evaluation using a Solar PathfinderTM or functionally equivalent device that measures the annual solar potential for the given site.
“Solar Water Heating” means the heating of water by use of the sun’s energy rather than electricity or gas or some other means.
“State” means the State of Delaware.
“Ton of Capacity” means 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour of cooling capacity.
“Watt” means the basic unit of measure of real electric power, or rate of doing work.
“Watt-hour” means the basic unit of measure of electric energy consumption. The total amount of energy used in one hour by a device that requires one Watt of power for continuous operation.
“Wind Turbine” means a mechanical/electrical system that converts the kinetic energy of blowing wind into mechanical or electric power.
The Delaware 142nd General Assembly enacted and Governor Minner signed into law Senate Bills 93 and 145, which amended Title 29 of the Delaware Code to include new provisions for utilizing the Green Energy Fund. The law was further amended by the Delaware 143rd General Assembly. The law continues to encourage and promote the use of renewable electric generation technologies, alternate energy technologies, and energy efficiency, by residential and non-residential (commercial) customers. Further, the law amends §8054(d) by dividing the Green Energy Fund into three separate and distinct programs.
The programs outlined in §8054(d) are described in full in this regulation and include the following:
5.1 General Provisions
All grants made under the Green Energy Endowment Program are on a first-come first-served basis. Allowable expenditures under the Green Energy Endowment Program shall not exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of the total revenue collected during the previous fiscal year or sixty-five percent (65%) or the total fund whichever is greater, including energy efficiency education programs. Energy efficiency education programs shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of allowable Green Energy Endowment Program expenditures. Under no circumstances will the Department issue grants for land acquisition in association with any project proposed in the Green Energy Endowment Program.
Of the total funds available through Green Energy Endowment Program on an annual basis, the grants made for residential projects shall not exceed 40% of the total funds available and the non-residential grants shall not exceed 60% of the total funds available, including energy efficiency programs.
Up to seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the moneys deposited in the Green Energy Fund each year may be used for administration of the Fund.
5.2 Eligibility
The Delaware Green Energy Program is available to DP&L electric customers or persons in Delaware receiving services from a non-regulated electric supplier which is contributing to the Green Energy Fund. All eligible equipment and products must be installed in Delaware. Energy Efficiency Programs must be implemented in Delaware for the primary benefit of DP&L customers, or persons in Delaware receiving services from a non-regulated electric supplier which is contributing to the Green Energy Fund.
5.3 Renewable Energy Grant Reservation Request
Customers and contractors applying for any grant for a renewable energy project must provide the following information to the Department prior to installing the system:
5.3.1 Completed Grant Reservation Form signed by both customer and contractor
5.3.2 The type of qualifying system
5.3.3 Copy of project estimate, purchase order, or letter of intent
5.3.4 Copy of the customer’s recent Conectiv Power Delivery electric bill or a bill from a non-regulated electric supplier which is contributing to the Green Energy Fund
5.3.5 System schematic or line drawing
5.3.6 Plot plan illustrating well, turbine, or module location (wind and geothermal only, photovoltaic when system is ground mounted)
5.3.7 Manual J calculation (geothermal only)
5.3.8 Detailed system design and a predicted performance calculation verified by a Professional Engineer. (Non-residential solar water heating systems only.)
5.3.9 Roof diagram illustrating the following:
5.3.9.1 Roof dimensions (angle, length and width)
5.3.9.2 Location of collectors or modules on roof
5.3.9.3 Location of any roof-mounted or building-mounted equipment
5.3.9.4 Orientation and Tilt of array or collectors
5.3.9.5 Areas of shading (Provide Solar Pathfinder results for all cases where shading occurs between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Results of the solar shade analysis must determine that 70% of the annual solar path’s area is shade free to be considered for a grant.)
5.4 Evaluation of Renewable Energy Grant Reservation Request
Upon receipt of the Grant Reservation Request and supporting documents, the Department will perform an evaluation to check the proposal package for its compliance with the requirements noted above. If the proposal package is complete, the Department will process the Grant Reservation and issue a Confirmation and Claim Form to the applicant. All requirements as outlined in Section 5.3 must be provided to the Department prior to processing the grant reservation.
The Department will reserve the funds for the project described in the Grant Reservation Request for six (6) months from the date of the reservation for residential applicants and twelve (12) months from the date of reservation for non-residential applicants. Since all grants are reserved on a first come-first served basis, viable projects that are not completed within the required time will be placed at the end of the queue and issued an extension of six (6) months from the date of the expired reservation for residential applicants and twelve (12) months from the date of expired reservation for non-residential applicants. To be considered of a reservation extension, the Department will require a project status and summary in writing fourteen (14) business days prior to the expiration of the original reservation.
5.5 Claim for and Distribution of Green Energy Program Renewable Energy Grants
After installation, the customer and contractor must provide the following to the Department:
5.5.1 Completed Confirmation and Claim form signed by customer and contractor
5.5.2 Copy of electrical, plumbing or building inspection
5.5.3 Copy of completed and approved DP&L Interconnection Agreement (photovoltaic, wind, fuel cell) or similar document from a non-regulated electric supplier which is contributing to the Green Energy Fund
5.5.4 Copy of product specification sheets
5.5.5 Copy of final sales invoice (invoice must include actual price paid, itemized list of components, labor, permit fees, method of payment)
5.5.6 Copy of warranty agreement
5.5.7 Copy of verification of completion of installation signed by customer and contractor.
Upon receipt of the completed Reservation Claim Form and all final documentation pertaining to the project as noted in Section 5.5.1-5.5.6, the Department will evaluate the Reservation and Claim Form and the required accompanying documents for consideration of grant approval. The contractor and customer are fully responsible for insuring that all forms and documentation have been supplied and the system meets all program requirements. The Department may make an inspection of the systems prior to final grant approval.
The Department will process the grant within 30 days of receipt of the Reservation and Claim Form and all supporting documentation. The Department will ordinarily process the payment to the purchaser, however, if the purchaser so requests in writing and documentation reflects the grant value was reduced directly from the purchase price, the Department will process the payment to the retailer or installing contractor.
Upon written request, the Department will pay the grant in two installments. Twenty-five percent 25% of the grant paid after the equipment is delivered to the installation site and all required permits, approvals, certifications from all jurisdictions having authority are secured. The remaining twenty-five percent is paid when the system is operational and approved by the utility and/or appropriate inspection agent. The Department reserves the right to review any installation prior to any partial or final grant payment.
5.6 Green Energy Program Renewable Energy Project Participating Contractor Guidelines
5.6.1 Participating Contractor Application
Contractors installing qualifying photovoltaic, solar water heating, geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, or fuel cells must complete the Participating Contractor Application prior to installing systems within the Green Energy Program. The application will consist of the following:
5.6.1.1 Name of company and key contact information
5.6.1.2 Brief history and organizational structure of company
5.6.1.3 Education, experience and licensure
5.6.1.4 General liability and statutory worker’s compensation
5.6.1.5 Statement of reliability and good standing
5.6.2 Education and Licensure
Participating Contractors shall maintain appropriate education and licenses to insure that only professionally designed systems are installed within the Program. The Participating Contractor must be licensed in the State of Delaware.
Where industry certification programs have been promulgated, grant recipients are encouraged to use industry certified contractors.
5.6.3 Insurance Requirements
The Participating Contractor and anyone acting under its direction or control or on its behalf shall at its own expense procure and maintain in full force at all times Commercial General Liability Insurance with a bodily injury and property damage combined single limit of liability of at least ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000) for any occurrence.
5.6.4 Statement of Reliability and Good Standing
Contractor must be reliable and in good standing with a “Satisfactory Record” (or no negative reports) with the Better Business Bureau. The Contractor shall provide a copy of their Better Business Bureau report to the Department upon request. Reports may be obtained at the following address.
BBB of Delaware
1415 Foulk Road, Suite 202
Foulkstone Plaza
Wilmington, DE 19803
Phone: (302)230-0108
Fax: (302)230-0116
Web Site: www.delaware.bbb.org
E-mail: info@delaware.bbb.org
5.6.5 Limitation of Funds
The Program funds are limited. The Participating Contractor shall follow program guidelines to insure reservation of funds prior to installing a qualifying system.
5.6.6 Owner’s Manual Minimum Requirements
Contractors are required to provide each Program participant with an owner’s manual. At a minimum, the owner’s manual shall include the following:
5.6.6.1 Name and address of the seller
5.6.6.2 System model name or number
5.6.6.3 Identification and explanation of system components
5.6.6.4 Description of system operation
5.6.6.5 Description of system maintenance
5.6.6.6 Description of emergency procedures
5.6.6.7 Vacation procedures
5.6.6.8 Systems warranty
5.7 Renewable Energy Project Warranty
All qualifying systems receiving a Green Energy Program grant must have a full 5-year warranty against component failure, malfunction and premature output degradation. The warranty must cover all components for which the program incentive is granted and cover the full cost of repair and replacement of all components of the system. For professionally installed systems, the warranty must cover the labor to remove and replace defective components and systems.
5.8 Renewable Energy Project Code Compliance
All qualifying systems must be installed in accordance with the standards and specifications of the manufacturers of the components in the system, in compliance with all applicable local electric and building codes, local ordinances and these guidelines. Where discrepancies, if any, exist with these guidelines and local codes, local codes shall govern.
5.9 Green Energy Program Renewable Energy Technologies
Renewable energy project equipment must meet the standards described in Section 5.9:
5.9.1 Photovoltaic Systems
5.9.1.1 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Delaware Green Energy Program offers grants for grid-connected photovoltaic systems installed by qualified contractors and customers up to 50% of the total installed costs. Grants will not exceed $22,500 per residential dwelling for residential systems and $250,000 per non-residential facility for non-residential systems. A photovoltaic system may not have eligible qualifying photovoltaic system costs in excess of $12 per Watt.
5.9.1.2 Accepted Products and Equipment
5.9.1.2.1 Grid Interconnected
All photovoltaic modules must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of the most recent version of Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1703.
All qualifying grid-connected systems must comply with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standards Board (IEEE) 929, Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, IEEE 1547, Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with the Electric Power Systems and the appropriate generation interconnection requirements of DP&L’s Technical Considerations Covering Parallel Operations of Customer Owned Generation of Less than 1 Megawatt and Interconnected with the DP&L Power Delivery System or similar interconnection requirements from a non-regulated electric supplier which is contributing to the Green Energy Fund.
All inverters must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for safe operation and be certified as meeting the requirements of Underwriters Laboratory Standards 1741, Standard for Static Inverters and Charge Controllers for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems.
All grid interconnected systems must be designed and installed to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
5.9.1.2.2 Non-Grid Interconnected or Stand-Alone
All photovoltaic modules must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of the most recent version of Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1703.
All non-grid interconnected or stand-alone systems shall be designed and installed to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
5.9.1.3 Array Orientation and Tilt
Optimum array orientation is a 180° true bearing. However, the program accepts solar arrays oriented between South of due East and South of due West or between 80° and 260° magnetic. Systems installed between 260° and 80° magnetic or North of due East and North of due West are not eligible for a Green Energy Program Grant.
Optimum array tilt is equal to the latitude at the installation site. However, the program accepts array tilt parameters as specified by the module manufacturer which may allow for tilts greater than and less than latitude.
5.9.1.4 Array Shading
Photovoltaic arrays shall be installed such that the array has a minimum of six (6) hours of unobstructed sunshine daily inclusive of solar noon. A "solar window" of eight (8) hours of unobstructed sunshine is preferred.
The installing contractor is responsible for insuring that the system is free from shading. The installing contractor shall perform a “Solar Shade Analysis” to ensure the array meets the minimum daily sunshine requirements. Results of the solar shade analysis must determine that 70% of the annual solar path’s area is shade free to be considered for a grant.
5.9.1.5 Aesthetics
Aesthetics must be considered in the design and mounting of the photovoltaic array. The designing contractor must provide a roof schematic complete with roof dimensions, array placement, orientation and areas of shading to the Department prior to installation. The designing contractor must make every attempt to configure the modules in an aesthetically pleasing manner free from shading.
5.9.2 Solar Water Heating
5.9.2.1 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Delaware Green Energy Program offers grants for solar water heating systems installed by qualified contractors and customers up to 50% of the total installed cost. Grants will not exceed $3,000 per residential dwelling for residential systems and $250,000 per non-residential facility for non-residential systems.
Solar water heating systems integrated into a radiant heating application are eligible for a grant up to 50% of the installed cost of the solar energy portion of the system. Grants will not exceed $5,000 per residential dwelling for residential systems and $250,000 per non-residential dwelling for non-residential systems.
5.9.2.2 Accepted Products and Equipment
A solar water heating system must be designed to reduce or eliminate the need for electric or gas heated water.
All qualifying residential solar water heating systems must be certified to meet the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation's (SRCC) OG-300, Operating Guidelines and Minimum Standards for Certifying Solar Water Heating Systems: An Optional Solar Water Heating System Certification and Rating Program and have a Freeze Tolerance Limit of minus 21 degrees Fahrenheit without electrical power.
All qualifying non-residential solar water heating systems and solar energy systems integrated into a radiant heating application must utilize collectors certified to meet the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation's (SRCC) OG-100, Operating Guidelines for Certifying Solar Collectors.
Non-residential solar water heating systems will be required to submit a detailed system design and a predicted performance calculation verified by a Professional Engineer (P.E.)
5.9.2.3 Collector Orientation and Tilt
Optimum collector array orientation is a 180° true bearing. However, the program accepts solar collectors oriented between South of due East and South of due West or between 80° and 260° magnetic. Systems installed between 260° and 80° magnetic or North of due East and North of due West are not eligible for a Green Energy Program Grant.
Optimum collector tilt is equal to the latitude at the installation site. However, the program accepts collector tilt parameters as specified by the collector manufacturer which may allow for tilts greater than and less than latitude.
5.9.2.4 Collector Shading
All collectors shall be installed such that the collector array has a minimum of six (6) hours of unobstructed sunshine daily inclusive of solar noon. A "solar window" of eight (8) hours of unobstructed sunshine is preferred.
The installing contractor is responsible for insuring that the system is free from shading. The installing contractor shall perform a “Solar Shade Analysis” to ensure the array meets the minimum daily sunshine requirements. Results of the solar shade analysis must determine that 70% of the annual solar path’s area is shade free to be considered for a grant.
5.9.2.5 Aesthetics
Aesthetics must be considered in the design and mounting of the solar water heating collectors. The designing contractor must complete a roof schematic complete with roof dimensions, collector placement, orientation and areas of shading to the Department prior to installation. The designing contractor must make every attempt to configure the collectors in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
5.9.3 Small Wind Turbines
5.9.3.1 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Delaware Green Energy Program offers incentives up to 50% of the total installed cost for small grid-connected wind turbines installed by a qualified contractor for a qualified customer. Small wind turbines shall be at least 500 Watts. Grants will not exceed $22,500 per residential dwelling for residential systems and $100,000 per non-residential facility for non-residential systems. A qualifying wind turbine system shall not exceed $5.00 per Watt installed.
5.9.3.2 Capacity Limits
Qualifying wind turbine systems shall be at least 500 Watts.
The Department may reject applications if the location of the proposed wind turbine system has an inadequate wind resource for reasonable utilization of the equipment as recommended by the turbine manufacturer. Wind resources can vary significantly; therefore, the contractor and customer must take care that the location has adequate wind for the turbine selected. It is strongly recommended that a professional evaluation of your specific site be completed. The Department may require additional evidence of feasibility prior to approving the grant reservation.
5.9.3.3 Accepted Products and Equipment
5.9.3.3.1 Grid Interconnected
All qualifying grid-connected small wind systems must use Underwriters Laboratory listed equipment and comply with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standards Board (IEEE) 929, Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, IEEE 1547, Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with the Electric Power Systems and the appropriate generation interconnection requirements of Conectiv Power Delivery's, Technical Considerations Covering Parallel Operations of Customer Owned Generation of Less than 1 Megawatt and Interconnected with the Conectiv Power Delivery System or similar interconnection requirements from a non-regulated electric supplier which is contributing to the Green Energy Fund.
All inverters or other systems used in interconnection must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for safe operation and be certified as meeting the requirements of Underwriters Laboratory Standards 1741, Standard for Static Inverters and Charge Controllers for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems.
All grid interconnected systems must be designed and installed to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
5.9.3.3.2 Non-Grid Interconnected or Stand-Alone
All qualifying non-grid interconnected wind systems must use Underwriters Laboratory certified listed equipment and systems shall be designed and installed to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
5.9.4 Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
5.9.4.1 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Delaware Green Energy Program offers grants for geothermal heat pump systems installed by qualified contractors and customers at the following rates:
Residential:
$600 per ton not exceeding $3,000 per residential dwelling for residential systems installed with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 15.0 and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.4 or greater or 50% of the installed cost whichever is lower, or
$500 per ton not exceeding $2500 per residential dwelling for residential systems with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 14.0 and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.0 or greater or 50% of the installed cost whichever is lower.
Non-residential:
$600 per ton not exceeding $25,000 per non-residential facility for non-residential systems with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 15.0 and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.4 or greater or 50% of the installed cost whichever is lower, or
$500 per ton not exceeding $25,000 per non-residential facility for non-residential systems with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 14.0 and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.0 or greater or 50% of the installed cost whichever is lower.
5.9.4.2 Accepted Products and Equipment
Qualifying geothermal heat pump systems must be sized in accordance with good heating, ventilation and air conditioning design practices for the occupancy, location and structure. Contractor shall provide a Manual J calculation, or other equivalent calculation, to determine proper size of equipment.
All qualifying systems must have a warranty for protection of the integrity and performance of the system for at least five years. All units installed under this program must have a minimum EER of 14.0 and COP of 3.0. Qualifying systems must meet the following:
Closed loop systems shall qualify under rating conditions in accordance with ISO 13256-1.
Open loop systems shall qualify under rating conditions in accordance with ISO 13256-1.
DX systems shall qualify under rating conditions in accordance with ARI 870.
5.9.5 Fuel Cells
5.9.5.1 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Delaware Green Energy Program offers grants for grid-connected fuel cells installed by qualified contractors and customers up to 50% of the total installed cost for fuel cell systems operating on a renewable fuel source. Grants will not exceed $22,500 for residential systems and $250,000 for non-residential systems.
5.9.5.2 Accepted Products and Equipment
5.9.5.2.1 Grid Interconnected
All Qualifying fuel cells systems must utilize a renewable fuel source and meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 853 for Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plants, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standards Board (IEEE) 519-Recommended Practices and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems, the most current version of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z21.83 for Fuel Cell Power Plants, and input and output protection functions should be in compliance with ANSI C37.2 Device Function Number Specifications.
All grid interconnected systems must be designed and installed to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
5.9.5.2.2 Non-Grid Interconnected or Stand-Alone
All non-grid interconnected or stand-alone systems shall be designed and installed to comply with the National Electric Code (NEC).
5.10 Energy Efficiency Information Programs
Subject to availability of funds, the Delaware Green Energy Endowment Program offers grants for energy efficiency information programs.
Energy Efficiency Information Programs must be submitted to the Department in the form of a proposal. Proposals will be requested by the Department as needed to address specific energy education requirements, or may be submitted unsolicited. The total of all grants awarded under the Green Energy Endowment Program for Energy Efficiency Education Programs shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the allowable expenditures for the Green Energy Endowment Fund.
To be eligible for consideration, an Energy Efficiency Information Program must encourage energy efficiency improvements through education, information, or promotion. Proposals may target groups of consumers, using outreach, communications, technical support, or analytical resources. Energy Efficiency Information Programs may include residential or nonresidential customers.
Newly available energy efficiency technologies or novel applications of available energy efficiency technologies may be included in Energy Efficiency Information Programs to the extent necessary to demonstrate their capabilities and their environmental and economic advantages.
Energy Efficiency Information Programs must include plans to make available and broadly disseminate information to the targeted consumers. Quantifiable goals including estimated annual energy savings, numbers of people or organizations reached, and environmental impacts, must also be included. Other goals may include measurable market transformation indicators, such as penetration of new, high efficiency products into the market place.
Energy Efficiency Information Programs are not intended to provide equipment rebates or funding for technology development. The Department will not provide funding for technology development, general facility or equipment upgrades, or facility renovations.
6.1 General Provisions
Subject to the availability of funds, the Green Energy Fund’s The Technology Demonstration Program provides grants to projects that demonstrate the market potential for new renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and accelerate the commercialization of these technologies in Delaware.
Technology Demonstration Program proposals will be accepted by the Department on a biannual basis. The total of all grants awarded under the Technology Demonstration shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of all revenue collected for the Green Energy Fund during the previous fiscal year or 25% of the fund balance whichever is greater.
To be eligible for consideration, a project must demonstrate a commercially available technology. Research and Development projects will not be funded under the Technology Demonstration Program. To be eligible for consideration, a project must demonstrate either a novel technology or a novel application of an available technology. Projects must include a public education component, such as integration into an educational program or location at a facility that allows public tours of the installed renewable energy technology.
The Delaware Technology Demonstration Program grants are available to applicants located within the State of Delaware for projects conducted in the State of Delaware.
Under no circumstances will the Department issue grants for land acquisition in association with any project proposed in the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.2 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Green Energy Fund’s Technology Demonstration Program offers grants to projects that demonstrate the market potential of renewable energy technology in Delaware. Individual grants shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost of the eligible equipment for a renewable energy technology project and will not exceed $200,000 per project. Grants for biodiesel manufacturing facilities shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the project cost and no one project may receive more than $300,000.
In all cases, the cost of the eligible equipment shall include only the costs of labor, overhead expenditures, equipment, materials, and subcontractors incurred during the performance of the Technology Demonstration Program contract. Expenditures made prior to contract award are not eligible.
6.3 Code Compliance
All Technology Demonstration Program projects must be installed in accordance with the standards and specifications of the manufacturers of the components in the system and in compliance with all applicable local electric, plumbing, and building codes and local ordinances to be considered for application.
6.4 Permits
All Technology Demonstration Program projects must obtain all relevant permits from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, other necessary state, local, regional, and federal permits to be considered for application.
6.5 Application Process
Technology Demonstration Program proposals will be accepted on a biannual basis. Applicants for the Technology Demonstration Program shall submit their proposals and supporting information in accordance with Requests for Proposals issued by the Department. Applicants must receive approval prior to beginning the project.
The Department reserves the right to reject any or all proposals if the information provided is inadequate or incomplete.
6.6 Distribution of Technology Demonstration Grants
The Department will process the invoices from the grant recipient in accordance with contract terms. Invoices may require supporting documentation including, but not limited to, hours worked, receipts for expenditures and a brief progress report.
6.7 Accepted Products and Equipment
All Technology Demonstration Program projects interconnecting with the utility grid must comply with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standards Board (IEEE) 929, Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and the appropriate generation interconnection arrangement of DP&L's, Technical Considerations Covering Parallel Operations of Customer Owned Generation of Less than 1 Megawatt and Interconnected with the DP&L System or a similar document from a non-regulated electric supplier.
All inverters must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory for safe operation as well as be certified as meeting the requirements of Underwriters Laboratory Standards 1741-1999, Standard for Static Inverters and Charge Controllers for Use in Photovoltaic Power Systems.
6.7.1 Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic projects located in Delaware use photovoltaic electricity to replace or substitute the need for non-renewable fuel, or include a novel or innovative use of photovoltaic design are eligible to receive a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.2 Solar Thermal
Solar thermal projects located in Delaware that use solar thermal energy to produce electricity, replace or substitute the need for non-renewable fuel, or includes a novel or innovative use of solar thermal design is eligible to receive a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.3 Small Wind Turbines
Small wind turbine projects located in Delaware may apply for a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.4 Fuel Cells
Fuel cell projects located in Delaware using a renewable or non-renewable energy fuel source may apply for a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.5 Hydroelectric Generators
Hydroelectric projects located in Delaware and placed at existing dams or in free-flowing waterways may be eligible for a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.6 Storage, Conversion and Conditioning Equipment
Storage, conversion and conditioning equipment, for use with renewable energy products that include a novel or innovative use of storage, conversion and conditioning equipment may be eligible to receive a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.7 Passive Solar Design
Passive solar designs that implement novel or innovative passive solar products may be eligible to receive a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program. Grants for passive solar projects shall not exceed 25% of the installed cost of the project up to a maximum of $3000 per residential dwelling for residential projects and $20,000 per non-residential facility for non-residential projects.
The project shall meet the requirements in Section 6.1 and provide a cost-effectiveness analysis and a Manual J calculation or equivalent that demonstrates the estimated energy impact expected over the industry standards that provide a similar function.
6.7.8 Biodiesel Manufacturing Facilities
Biodiesel manufacturing facilities located in Delaware may apply for a grant under the Technology Demonstration Program.
6.7.9 Energy Efficiency Technologies, Processes and Practices
New energy efficiency technologies are eligible for grants under the Technology Demonstration Program. To be eligible for funding, the applicant must demonstrate that a measurable improvement in energy efficiency can be achieved in comparison to conventional technologies, processes and practices, and that the proposed equipment or approach is not widely available or in use.
7.1 General Provisions
Subject to availability of funds, the Green Energy Fund’s Research and Development Program offers grants to projects that develop or improve Renewable Energy Technology in Delaware. The Department will accept proposals for Research and Development Program grants for qualifying projects that improve the engineering, adaptation, or development of products or processes that directly relate to renewable energy technology.
Research and Development Program proposals will be accepted by the Department on a biannual basis. The total of all grants awarded in any one fiscal year shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of all revenue collected for the Green Energy Fund during the previous fiscal year or 10% of the fund balance whichever is greater.
Subject to the future availability of funds, the Department will consider multi-year projects in the Research and Development Program. Proposals seeking grants for multi-year projects shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total annual funds available in the Research and Development Program.
The Delaware Research and Development Program grants are available to applicants located within the State of Delaware for projects conducted in the State of Delaware. Under no circumstances will the Department issue grants for land acquisition in association with any project proposed in the Research and Development Program.
7.2 Grant Limits
Subject to availability of funds, the Research and Development Program offers grants up to thirty-five percent (35%) of the cost of qualifying projects. Research and Development Program grants shall not exceed $250,000 per project. Cost of qualifying projects shall include only the costs of labor, overhead expenditures, equipment, materials, and subcontractors incurred during the performance of the contract. Expenditures made prior to contract award are not eligible.
Subject to the future availability of funds, the Department will consider multi-year projects in the Research and Development Program. Proposals seeking grants for multi-year projects shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total annual funds available in the Research and Development Program.
7.3 Application Process
The following describes the general approach envisioned for these projects. Alternative approaches to achieve the desired results may be considered, provided that the work scope is complete, addresses all of the technical issues, and has a convincing chance for success.
Applicants are to propose projects and tasks that address all issues described in Section 7.1 with care taken to emphasize the unique application advantages and environmental benefits that will result from the proposed project. The proposal should clearly define why this project is an improvement over existing products that provide a similar function.
Research and Development Program proposals will be accepted on a biannual basis. Applicants for the Research and Development Program shall submit their proposals and supporting information in accordance with Requests for Proposals issued by the Department. Applicants must receive approval prior to beginning the project.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee established by the Department. The Department will determine the eligibility for a grant and will, in particular, the eligible costs in 7.2. A statement of reservation of funds and authorization to proceed will be issued by the Department upon completion and acceptance of contract terms.
7.4 Acceptable Projects
The Department will accept proposals for Research and Development Program grants for qualifying projects that improve the engineering adaptation, or development of products that directly relate to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The Department reserves the right to reject any or all proposals if the information provided is inadequate or incomplete.
Applicants are to propose projects and tasks that address all issues described in Section 7.1 with care taken to emphasize the unique application advantages and environmental benefits that will result from the proposed project. The proposal should clearly define why this project is an improvement over existing products that provide a similar function.
8.1 Compliance Review
Proposals submitted under the Technology Demonstration and Research and Development Programs will receive a thorough compliance review. A compliance review will be performed to check the proposal package for its compliance with the requirements of the Department’s Requests for Proposals and the requirements outlined in Sections 6 and 7. The Department will determine the eligibility for a grant and will, in particular, consider the education requirements in 6.1 and the eligible costs in 6.2 and 7.2.
The Department reserves the right to void an application if the information requested is not received within the prescribed timeframe when requested or is inadequate or incomplete.
A statement of reservation of funds and authorization to proceed will be issued by the Department upon completion and acceptance of contract terms.
8.2 Evaluation Committee
All applications that fulfill the minimum application requirements, as determined under the compliance review, will be eligible for comprehensive evaluation. The comprehensive evaluation of proposals will be performed by the Department and a committee designated by the Department. In evaluating applications, the Department reserves the right to use any assistance deemed advisable, including qualified personnel from federal agencies, other government entities, universities, industry, and contractors. The Department will make every effort to use unbiased individuals and experts on the review committee. These individuals will be required to protect the confidentiality of any specifically identified trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information obtained as a result of their participation in this evaluation.
The reviewers and their employers, employees, affiliates, and members shall excuse themselves from proposing projects under the Research and Development or Technology Demonstration Programs for the funding period during which they are serving on the reviewing committee.
8.3 Notification
All applicants will be notified in writing of the action taken on their applications. Applicants should allow at least 90 days for the Department evaluation. The status of any application during the evaluation and selection process will not be discussed with the applicant or any of its partners. Unsuccessful application will receive a letter summarizing the committee’s decision. Unsuccessful applications will not be returned to applicants.
8.4 Grant Award
If upon completion of the Comprehensive Evaluation, the review committee finds that the proposed project fits the criteria of the Technology Demonstration or Research and Development Programs, then a statement of reservation of funds and authorization to proceed will be issued by the Department.
All recipients of grants may be required to participate in mandatory evaluation meetings on a periodic basis. During each evaluation meeting, the results to date and future plans for the project will be presented by the Recipient to an evaluation panel selected by the Department. The results of each evaluation may be used by the Department to determine whether the project will continue to receive funding. Applicants should assume that at least two meetings per year will be required for evaluation and that up to two additional review meetings may be held at the applicant’s location.
8.5 Payment for Work Performed
The Department will process the invoices from the grant recipient usually within 30 days of receipt of invoice and supporting documentation. Supporting documentation shall include but not limited to hours worked, receipts for expenditures and a brief progress report. Additional documentation and reporting requirements may be necessary depending on the nature and duration of the work performed.
Applicants are hereby notified that the Department intends to make all applications submitted available to non-State personnel for the sole purpose of assisting in its evaluation of the applications. These individuals will be required to protect the confidentiality of any specifically identified proprietary information obtained as a result of their participation in the evaluation.
Proposals submitted may contain trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information which the applicant does not want to be used or disclosed for any purpose other than evaluation of the application. The use and disclosure of such data may be restricted, provided the applicant follows the Department’s “Request for Confidentiality” procedure contained in the Department’s “Freedom of Information Act” or “FOIA” regulation. It is important to understand that this FOIA regulation’s confidentiality procedure is a necessary part of this regulation in that any information submitted to the Department is subject to public review unless deemed to be confidential by the Secretary in accordance with the criteria and procedures established in the FOIA regulation.
The burden lies with the applicant asserting the claim of confidentiality to meet the criteria established in the FOIA regulation.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, phrase or word of these regulations is declared unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of these regulations shall remain unimpaired and shall continue in full force and effect, and proceedings there under shall not be affected.
8 DE Reg. 114 (07/01/04)
9 DE Reg. 1566 (04/01/06)
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